Discussion on Communication Strategy

Feedback on Communication presentation what support would you like and what gaps do you see?
Michael and Peter facilitated the session. Michael presented overview communication thinking in CPWF and there was discussion based on brainstorming

There was a basic recognition communication is an integral part of the research process and there was a lively discussion about how we can better communicate to different actors outside the research community. There was real concern that the research is not effectively reaching or being communicated to farmers we are working with. For each target group we need to look at the change we want to see and target the interventions. There was a view that we need to look at alternative channels such as youth groups and church groups. It was also mentioned that maybe look at other types of target groups such as private sector.

Another issue which came up was the need to address issues of consistency and developing a identity for the basin that balances CPWF identity and that of the basin. In addition, there it was mentioned that there is a need to address the issues of acknowledging all the different institutions which people are part of (IWMI, ILRI, etc).

The final issue that cam up is the need to address data management issues. It was suggested that might be more effective to develop an ‘information, knowledge management and communication strategy’ that looks at the issues of data management for research data and GIS.

Brainstorm into the following category types:

Policy advocacy communication · How can we make materials and information for policy makers · Need to try to influence other groups beyond the usual suspects – look into business	Community level communication · Communication from outside in – use participatory video · Use alternative channels: SMS, radio, TV, DVD, Video, newspapers, leaflets · Use of local languages (3) · Use local groups that are influential like church or youth groups. Communication to local communities not strong · Tools for communication with farmers, visual aids, photos, pictures · Identify champions to communicate and facilitate innovation · Community level communication · Farmer training centers – videos · User partner communication channels · Support/training on taking pictures and using photographs for communication
Internal communication · Practicality of communication tools is not clear · Training on the use of communication platforms such as yammer, etc · Improving internal communication	Corporate Communication · When to publish is there a standard set · Templates for different types of communication · How to juggle institutional interests and priorities
Scientific communication · Pubishing in open access journal is expensive publication funds after project ends is difficult to obtain	Other · Dynamic communication strategy · Gap is weak external communication and harmonization of interest · Scientists have incentives to write Journal articles but no real incentive for producing targettting materials.impact with grassroots level · How to cope with information overload · Training in use of tools · Need to feedback yesterday’s results to participants. Workhsop report?